RPO elects new chairwoman

The organization’s board of directors voted to make Dawn Lipson chairman, effective Sept. 1, upon the conclusion of Elizabeth Rice two-year term.

Rice had come under fire from some community groups following the board’s decision to end the contract of Music Director Arild Remmereit last year.

Lipson, a Brighton resident, has been on the board the past four years and served from 1999 to 2003, as well. She served as Rochester Philharmonic League president from 1999-2003 and won RPO Volunteer of the Year for 1999-2000.

“I feel extremely privileged to be on the RPO board, and to be chosen as chair-elect is quite an honor,” Lipson said. “We have many challenges facing us and we will be reaching out to the community for assistance and guidance. I have every faith that together we can ensure that the music plays on.”

Since moving to Rochester in 1993, Lipson has been involved in an advisory and supportive capacity with many of the area’s non-profit organizations, RPO officials said.

Lipson stressed the importance of the orchestra to the Rochester community.

“The RPO is vital to the cultural vibrancy of our community,” she said. “Music allows us to view things outside of ourselves and to interpret the world around us; it has the power to soothe, energize and provide common ground.”